We look at a lot of computer setups on social media, but sometimes what drives conversation among commenters surprises us. With today’s Mac Studio rig with an odd couple of mismatched displays, the main debate concerned … keyboards for iPad.
Specifically, when an iPad is so wonderfully light, what keyboard case doesn’t weight it down too much?
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M1 Max Mac Studio drives dual displays in striking setup with a heavy iPad keyboard
Reddior PlaZma64 (“Play”) showcased the intriguing setup in a post entitled, “Finally Content With My Setup …”
It’s intriguing because they seem to think they’re done with the setup — an impossibility according to our exhaustive research — plus a somewhat unusual layout with large and small displays side by side. And the discussion took an interesting turn regarding iPad Pro keyboards. More on that below.
Plaz’s powerful M1 Max Mac Studio connects to Apple’s SuperDrive and a pair of displays. They’re a bit of an odd couple — a 40-inch Samsung 4K Smart TV and a 27-inch Lenovo Q27q-10 2K IPS QHD Monitor (1440p).
It’s a heavily Apple-centric setup overall, with all-Cupertino input devices — Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad 2 — plus a HomePod mini and AirPods Pro 2.
And that’s not all. He uses an 11-inch iPad Pro with Pencil 2 and a Magic Keyboard Folio case for iPad.
What case doesn’t weight down a delightfully light iPad?
Photo: PlaZma64@Reddit.com
And that iPad keyboard case sparked conversation among commenters.
“Is the iPad Magic Keyboard worth it?” asked one. “Just can’t get over the price.” It’s about $225 for the Magic Keyboard Folio.
“It is nice, adds a lot of weight to the iPad though, I managed to get mine brand new a little cheaper on eBay,” Plaz replied.
The commenter lamented that weight actually worried them most among concerns, and that’s what Plaz happened to mention. The commenter’s current keyboard weighs down their delightfully light iPad Pro. They wondered if Plaz used the iPad enough for the keyboard weight to be a bother.
“Ah, if weight is an issue this will probably be an inconvenience to you,” Plaz replied. “I use the keyboard basically every time I use my iPad unless it’s for photo editing/graphic design.”
A vote for Logi
Then another commenter weighed in with some advice on what they see as a better choice:
I’ve owned both a Magic Keyboard and Logitech Combo Touch. I’d go Logitech every time now — it’s got a little more flexibility with the stand compared to the Smart Keyboard cover, and having the detachable/reverse-fold keyboard makes it way more useful than the Magic Keyboard.
It’s also powered off the Smart Connector, so no need to charge separately. To get around losing the extra USB-C charge port in the Magic Keyboard, it just got a USB-C dock that I use at my desk to enable stage manager on my monitor and charge simultaneously.
Shop these items now:
Photo: PlaZma64@Reddit.com
Computers and accessories:
- M1 Max Mac Studio
- SuperDrive CD/DVD Drive
- 11-inch iPad Pro + Pencil 2 + Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad
Displays:
Input devices:
Audio:
Furniture and accessories:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
It's a keyboard and case for iPads with a detachable two-piece design that attaches magnetically, plus a built-in trackpad. In white.
